More Information

The society welcomes any additional information or photographs of Gun Alley and the families who lived there.

Please go to our contact page for details on how to contact us.

Knowing there are many people who want more than just look at information on our website, the society has produced a book which includes most of the information. The 180 page book - Gun Alley The Forgotten Story of Lilydale’s Back streets 1880 to Today costs $40 plus $10 postage and handling if applicable

Local histories generally tend to focus on the movers and shakers of the community – the sportspeople, the church; schools, civic leaders; business people; early settlers and wealthy landowners. Mention is rarely made of the labourers or the working classes because they didn’t have the means to record and preserve their stories. Many couldn’t read or write and couldn’t afford to have their photos taken when visiting photographers hit town.

Inspired by Gun Alley resident and society member Ruby Kwijas, Gun Alley: The Forgotten Story of Lilydale’s Back Streets 1880 to Today aims to change all that. From just two photographs of John Street and two stories, the project has added more than 200 images and dozens of stories of families to the society’s archives. Through Gun Alley, the society has ensured their contribution and their stories will never be forgotten by future generations.